Northern Traverse 300K Ultra Marathon

Northern Traverse 300km Ultra Marathon

The Northern Traverse isn't just an ultra marathon; it is the expedition across England.

Following Alfred Wainwright’s iconic Coast to Coast route, this continuous 300km ultra marathon takes you from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay. You will traverse three National Parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors.

It is a non-stop, fully supported race. There are no stages, no pauses, and the clock never stops. It is a massive undertaking, but because it is organised by the Orea Events team (the same people behind the Dragon’s Back Race), the support is world-class. If you want to cross the country in one push without the hassle of organising your own support crew, this is how you do it.

Course

The route is visually stunning and brutally varied. You start by dipping your boots in the sea at St Bees and picking up a pebble (tradition dictates you carry it to the other side).

Act 1: The Lake District (The Hard Bit) The race starts with its toughest section. You head straight into the Ennerdale valley and up over the high passes of the Lakes. You’ll tackle Black Sail Pass, Honister, and Grisedale Hause. It’s steep, technical, and usually done on fresh legs, which is a blessing and a curse. You pass through Patterdale and Shap before waving goodbye to the big mountains.

Act 2: The Yorkshire Dales (The Rolling Bit) After crossing the M6, the terrain changes. The jagged peaks are replaced by the rolling limestone hills and green valleys of the Dales. You’ll pass through Kirkby Stephen, climb up to the Nine Standards Rigg (depending on the season/route variation), and head through Swaledale and Richmond. It’s faster running, but the mud and the distance start to bite here.

Act 3: The North York Moors (The Sting in the Tail) After the flat, often tedious crossing of the Vale of Mowbray, you hit the Moors. This is the final hurdle. The climbs here, like the drag up to the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, are long and exposed. But once you crest the final moorland, you can smell the sea. The descent into Robin Hood’s Bay is steep, ending at the slipway where you throw your pebble into the North Sea.

Logistics

This is a "fully supported" race, meaning you don't need a crew.

• Checkpoints: There are manned checkpoints roughly every 40-60km. These aren't just tables with crisps; they are indoor hubs with hot meals (lasagne, curry, stew), unlimited tea, medical teams, and sleeping areas.
• Sleeping: You can sleep at the designated support points, but remember, the clock keeps ticking. It’s a game of strategy, do you bank sleep early or push through?
• Drop Bags: You have access to your main drop bag at the support points, so you can change into dry socks and fresh kit multiple times during the crossing.

The Northern Traverse attracts a mix of elite runners and hardy hikers. With a 60-hour cut-off, it is achievable for strong walkers who can keep moving efficiently, though you won't have much time for sightseeing.

It is a race famous for its camaraderie. If you think you're ready to take on the Northern Traverse 300K Ultra Marathon, head over to the official race website for all the details, including registration info.